Pride Thinking

Description

When you want to do something but are finding difficult to get going or keep
going with it, a way to motivate yourself is to focus on the
pride you will feel when you
will complete the job.

Go out into the future and notice how proud you will feel when you have done
what needs to be done, even though it seemed difficult. Feel proud not only of
the achievement but also of the challenges you have overcome, including taking
the first step along this road to success.

Come back to the present, bringing the pride with you as you put the vision
into practice.

If you find it particularly awkward, you can start with small things, still
feeling proud about overcoming the very real internal difficulties you have
overcome.

Example

An introverted person wants to talk more with other people but
finds even opening a conversation to be awkward. They decide to get into
practice and feel a little pride in this decision. First, they read some books
about the subject and then start speaking with strangers more, just saying
'hello' and making small talk. Each time, they take time to feel good about what
they have achieved and this good feeling drives them on to the next, slightly
more involving step. Before long, they are chatting easily with other people and
smiling inside at this transformation.

Discussion

Pride is a two-sided
emotion. On one side, it is one of
the seven deadly sins,
where prideful arrogance can be anti-social and lead to a person being disliked
by others. On the other hand, it also has a very positive side where being proud
of your achievements can be a strong motivator to achieve more. The difference is
whether the focus of the pride is outer- or inner-directed. Outer-directed pride
is about status,
putting yourself above others, using your wealth, position or achievements to
place yourself as superior person. Inner-directed pride is about having a
healthy and respectful self-image that gives you confidence and strength.